Airframe tent and pump

ABSTRACT

An airframe supported tent  10  includes at least one pair of coupled airbeams  12 . The coupled air beams  12  include first  36   a  and second  36   b  redundant airbeams for providing support to the tent structure  10  when inflated. The airframe supported tent  10  also includes an interface  14 , fluidly coupled to each of the first and second redundant air beams  36 , for allowing all of the airbeams to be inflated and deflated through the interface. An air pump  50  is also provided which is small, compact and lays generally flat when compressed. The air pump  50  couples with the interface  14  on the tent, to inflate and deflate all of the air beams generally simultaneously.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an inflatable tents and its componentsand more particularly, relates to an inflatable tent having redundantairbeams connected via a sewing flap at the midseam of the redundantairbeams, an integrated pump, a valve interface, a soft pump, and arollup stuff sack for storing the components therein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Conventional tents utilize rigid and segmented poles. Typically, thepoles are made out of fiberglass or aluminum and are used in conjunctionwith tent stakes to support the tent structure. The poles can beproblematic during an overnight hike because of their bulkiness. Thepoles are also fragile and prone to failure under extreme conditions.They can bend and break and tear through a tent in heavy winds.

Conventional tents are adequate for their basic purpose and functionhowever, some require considerable effort to set up and break down. Itoften takes some practice to set up a conventional tent because thepoles may come in different lengths or shapes. The poles also tend tofreeze together in extremely cold conditions, making the break down ofthe tent difficult.

Most conventional tents are transported in ordinary fabric stuff sacks.It is desirable for carrying the tent in a backpack to have it store assmall and light as possible. Conventional tents are limited in how smallthey may be packed by the length of their poles.

Inflatable tents have been designed in the past. Most inflatable tentsrely on large volume inflatable components or high pressure smallervolume components to achieve structural integrity. Large volumes requiremore time to inflate, whereas high pressure supports require heavy pumpsor compressed air. Neither of these systems are ideal for thebackpacking application. The ideal system uses low pressure, low volumesupports.

The problems with the prior art inflatable tents have included a lack ofreparability in the case of puncture, excess weight as a result ofoutdated material technology, and inefficient inflation either becauseof high air volumes or cumbersome pumps. Some higher pressure, lowervolume designs have necessitated the use of compressed air for inflationwhich is heavy, expensive and potentially dangerous, making itimpractical for backpacking applications.

Finally, a tent should be easy and inexpensive to manufacture, thuskeeping the cost down for the consumer. The present invention isdirected to an inflatable backpacking tent and its components designedto achieve each of these goals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an inflatable tent having redundantairbeams connected by means of a sewing flap at the midseam of theredundant airbeams, for holding bladders therein. The present inventionalso features an integrated pump and soft pump for pumping air into thebladders of the inflatable tent, and a valve interface for receiving theair from the integrated pump or soft pump and distributing it to atleast one of the bladders, and a rollup stuff sack for storing theinflatable tent and its components.

It is important to note that the present invention is not intended to belimited to a system or method which must satisfy one or more of anystated objects or features of the invention. It is also important tonote that the present invention is not limited to the preferred,exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein. Modifications andsubstitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to bewithin the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will bebetter understood by reading the following detailed description, takentogether with the drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inflatable tent having a double frameconstruction according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a sewing flap used between an innerairbeam and an outer airbeam of a frame, wherein the redundant airbeamsprovide the supporting structure of the inflatable tent according to oneaspect of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a valve interface used to receive air in whichto inflate the bladders of the inflatable tent according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a top view of an integrated pump used to pump air into thebladders of the inflatable tent by means of the valve interfaceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a soft pump used to pump air into thebladders of the inflatable tent using the valve interface according tothe present invention;

FIG. 6 a is a perspective view of a roll-up stuff sack in a rolled outposition being stuffed with the inflatable tent and its componentsaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 6 b is a perspective view of the roll-up stuff sack being rolled upto hold the inflatable tent and its components according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 c is a perspective view of a roll-up stuff sack in a rolled upposition used to hold the inflatable tent and its components when not inuse, according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 d is a perspective view of the roll-up stuff sack in a rolled outposition used to dry or air out the inflatable tent, its components, orother items according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a photograph of an inflatable tent having a single frameconstruction according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a foam filled the fabric pump accordingto one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction of the foama filled the fabric pump of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is an exploded diagram of a fill and dump valve in accordancewith one aspect of the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a novel inflatable tent 10, FIG. 1, andits components. The inflatable tent 10 has a canopy portion 20 attachedto a floor portion 22. In the preferred embodiment, the canopy portion20 and the floor portion 22 are made of waterproof/breathable nylon orpolyester fabric however, other weather resistant and durable materialsmay be substituted.

The canopy portion 20 may be formed from a number of panels 30 that areattached to at least one frame 12, which will be described below, bymeans of a sewing flap 18, and also attached to a floor portion 22. Inan alternative embodiment, the canopy portion 20 is a single piece ofmaterial.

It is important to note that the inflatable tent may have any number offrames 12, FIG. 1. For example, a double frame embodiment is shown inFIG. 1, whereas a single frame embodiment is shown in FIG. 7. A firstportion 94 and second portion 96 of the inflatable tent 10 are also madefrom the same type of material as that of panels 30. The portions 94, 96have stake loops 98 for receiving a tent stake.

The inflatable tent 10 is held erect by inflating one or more of theframes 12 and staking the stake loops 98 of the portions 94, 96 in thelongitudinal direction. The inflatable tent 10 is held erect without theneed for tent poles. In alternative embodiments, the sides of theinflatable tent 10 may also have one or more stake loops 98 forreceiving tent stakes and for holding the inflatable tent 10 in place.

The frame 12, FIG. 2, includes redundant airbeams 13 a, 13 b enclosingbladders 36 a, 36 b. The redundant airbeams 13 a, 13 b are preferablymade of dimensionally stable synthetic fabric, however, other materialsmay be substituted. The bladders 36 a, 36 b are inflatable members andcontained within the redundant airbeams 13 a, 13 b. The bladders 36 a,36 b are elastic and airtight, and are used to receive and hold air.Further, the bladders 36 a, 36 b are easily replaceable and repairablein the event of a puncture.

When the bladders 36 a, 36 b are inflated, the redundant airbeams 13 a,13 b are arcuate in overall shape and form an inner airbeam 13 a and anouter airbeam 13 b. The redundant airbeams 13 a, 13 b restrict theinflation of the bladders 36 a, 36 b to a certain shape and diameter. Inthe preferred embodiment, the bladders 36 a, 36 b are made from sheeturethane that is RF welded along the edges; however, other expandableand airtight materials and methods of heat sealing may be substituted.

The redundant airbeams 13 a, 13 b provide the supporting structure ofthe inflatable tent 10. The twin shell construction of the frame 12includes an outer layer of fabric of the redundant airbeams 13 a, 13 b,for providing the shape of the redundant airbeams, 13 a, 13 b, and forcontaining the bladders 36 a, 36 b, while the inner material of thebladders 36 a, 36 b hold air when inflated.

When the bladders 36 a, 36 b are inflated, the inner airbeam 13 a isarcuate and the outer airbeam 13 b is also arcuate and extends paralleland adjacent the inner airbeam 13 a. In the preferred embodiment, theouter airbeam 13 b is positioned above the inner airbeam 13 a althoughthis is not a limitation of the present invention, as the airbeams couldalso be side by side in the same general horizontal plane. In addition,although the present invention is explained using circular shapedairbeams, this is for exemplary purposes only as the beams could be anyshape including, but not limited to triangular, square, rectangular,octagonal, trapezoidal, etc.

The bladders 36 a, 36 b and the redundant airbeams 13 a, 13 b providesturdy support for the canopy portion 20 and keep the inflatable tent 10erect and in the “use” position. Further, the redundant airbeam designsignificantly improves the strength of the structure, making possiblethe use of lower air pressure.

Each frame 12 or redundant airbeams 13 a, 13 b are made from two sheetsof dimensionally stable synthetic fabric. In the preferred embodiment,the two dimensionally stable synthetic fabric sheets are joined togetherat a top seam 38 b, FIG. 2 with top-stitching, giving a finishedappearance to the outside of the tent. Thereafter, the two dimensionallystable synthetic sheets are then joined together at a bottom seam 38 awith a basting stitch and edge binding. Finally, the two dimensionallystable synthetic sheets are joined together at a midseam 24 with doublestitching through the sewing flaps 18. However, in alternativeembodiments, other types of joining may be used. For example, RF weldingmay be used to join the sheets together. RF welding will allow theredundant airbeams 13 a, 13 b to be welded flat in one operation. Thisjoining construction, being airtight, could also obviate the need forbladders 36 a and 36 b. A single wall design has the benefit of beingmore lightweight and easy to manufacture, however, in the case of apuncture, it is beneficial to have bladders, which can easily berepaired or replaced.

The sewing flap 18 is preferably sewn to the midseam 24 of the frame 12.The sewing flap 18 is preferably an oxford nylon or polyester, but avariety of fabrics could be used. In the preferred embodiment, thesewing flap 18 has a first flap portion 26 and a second flap portion 28that are separate elements sewn to the midseam 24 between the innerairbeam 13 a and the outer airbeam 13 b of the frame 12. The first flapportion 26 and the second flap portion 28 are operatively attached tothe midseam 24 at first ends 34. Second ends 32 of the first flapportion 26 and the second flap portion 28 are used to connect theplurality of panels 30 of the canopy portion 20. In an alternativeembodiment, the sewing flap 18 can have any number of flaps forattaching to any number of the plurality of panels 30.

In the preferred embodiment, the sewing flap 18 is double stitched tothe midseam 24 of the frame 12 and/or the canopy portion 20 for addedstrength. However, in alternative embodiments, other types of joiningmay be used. For example, RF welding may be used to join the sewing flap18 to the midseam 24 of the frame 12 and/or the canopy portion 20 foradded strength and simplification.

The top seam 38 b may be top-stitched or welded on an insidecircumference of the outer airbeam 13 b protruding inside the outerairbeam 13 b. The bottom seam 38 a may be extending from an outercircumference to produce an outward extending overlap that is edgebinded.

The first flap 26 and the second flap 28 of the sewing flap 18 allow theadjacent plurality of panels 30 to be sewn to the redundant airbeams 13a, 13 b and matched edge-to-edge with notches for proper alignment. Thisis a significant benefit during production. Also, the sewing flap 18 maybe of a heavier material, which strengthens the midseam 24 of theredundant airbeams 13 a, 13 b without adding a significant amount ofweight. Further, since the adjacent plurality of panels 30 may be sewnwith standard top-stitching or flat-felled stitching, a finished lookwith taped seams is more easily achieved.

FIGS. 1 and 3 show the valve interface 14, which is used for receivingair from an external source, such as a pump. The valve interface 14 isin fluid connection with the bladders 36 a, 36 b in the redundantairbeams 13 a, 13 b of each of the frames 12 by means of an air supplyline 16. The air supply line 16 is preferably a ⅜^(th) inch outsidediameter urethane tubing, however, other flexible tubing may besubstituted. The air supply line 16, preferably, runs along the insideof the inflatable tent 10 to each of the frames, although this is not alimitation of the present invention as each frame could have a valveinterface although this would make inflating the frame(s) more timeconsuming but on the other hand, insulate the failure of one frame 12from a good frame 12.

The valve interface 14 has an inflation valve 40. The inflation valve 40is preferably a Halkey Roberts #147-ACUR straight connector with aColder Products APC model quick disconnect with internal shut-off,however, other one-way valves may be substituted. The inflation valve 40of the valve interface 14 receives air from an external source. Theincoming air travels to the bladders 36 a, 36 b via the air supply line16.

The valve interface 14 also typically has a deflation valve 42 fordeflating the bladders 36 a, 36 b. The deflation valve 42 is preferablya Carmo (Cosmos-Kabar) #3-730 deflation valve although other deflationvalves may be substituted.

In a double frame embodiment as the one shown in FIG. 1, the valveinterface 14, FIG. 3, has a first end 44 and a second end 46 in fluidconnection with the air supply line 16. The first end 44 is in fluidconnection with one of the frames 12, and the second end 46 is in fluidcontact with another of the frames 12.

Air is received through the inflation valve 40 and exhausted through thedeflation valve 42. The valve interface 14 and the air supply line 16provide an integral system of inflating and deflating each of thebladders 36 a, 36 b forming the redundant frames(s) 12.

The valve interface 14 is preferably mounted to the inside of theinflatable tent 10, however, the inflation valve 40 and the deflationvalve 42 extend through and to the outside of the inflatable tent 10.The valve interface 14 precludes moisture from entering the air supplyline 16 and the bladders 36 a, 36 b, and also may be fitted with aconventional well known moisture filter, such as an open celled urethanefoam, to further preclude contamination from entering the air supplyline 16 and the bladders 36 a, 36 b. In the preferred embodiment, whenthe tent is stored, the deflation valve 42 is left in the “open”position to facilitate evaporation of any moisture in the valveinterface 14 and the bladders 36 a, 36 b.

In the preferred embodiment, the valve interface 14 has a body 48 thatis made from urethane coated ripstop nylon, however, other airtightmaterials may be substituted. The body 48 is airtight and RF welded orheat-sealed, and serves as an inflation manifold and is in fluidconnection with the inflation valve 40, the deflation valve 42, thefirst end 44, and the second end 46 and the air supply line 16. The RFwelding or heat sealing of the body 48 of the valve interface 14 is aneconomical, precise, and high-strength method of joining the fabricpieces, tubing, and valves in a single operation. Urethane coated nylonfabric is preferred for weldability, airtightness, and functionality ina wide range of temperatures. Urethane tubing and valves are similarlydesirable and provides for proper seal with the urethane-coated fabric.The urethane tubing is sealed into the body 48 to allow an airtightconnection of a standard barbed coupling. In that way, the connectingtubes, hoses, and valves may be any of a variety of materials dependingon the performance characteristics desired.

FIGS. 1 and 4 show an integrated pump 50 used to inflate the bladders 36a, 36 b of the inflatable tent 10 through the valve interface 14 and theair supply line 16. Unfortunately, the human lung cannot provide enoughair pressure to appropriately inflate the tent bladder. Accordingly, apump of some sort must be used to in effect amplifier the long pressure.Since the lungs can only comfortably provide approximately one halfpounds of pressure, approximately 5 or more pounds (5 to 10 preferably)are required to properly fill a tent bladder. A pump of some sort isthereby needed to amplify the air pressure available from a user's lungsto fully inflate the frame(s) 12 with enough air pressure.

Conventional foot pumps have been used to inflated objects such as theinflatable tents 10; however, they are too bulky to carry on a hiking orcamping trip in the wilderness. These conventional pumps typically usemetal return springs to replenish air volume after being compressed,whereas the integrated pump 50 is a novel approach that obviates theneed for bulky springs or convolutes found in conventional pumps. Theintegrated pump 50 is small, flexible, foldable, and compact. Theintegrated pump 50 is inflated by the user's lungs after eachcompression.

The integrated pump 50 is made from an airtight fabric, such as urethanecoated ripstop nylon. The fabric is made into a pouch 52. The pouch 52is airtight and RF welded or heat-sealed. The pouch 52 is an inflationmanifold and is in fluid connection with an input hose 54 and an outputhose 56.

The input hose 54 and the output hose 56 are attached to the pouch 50 ofthe integrated pump 50 using tube seals and are sealed airtight. Theinput hose 54 is preferably a ½ inch outside diameter urethane tubing,such as #200-1307 from New Age Industries. The input hose 54 has an oralinflation valve 60, which is inserted into an end of the input hose 54.The oral inflation valve 60 is preferably a Halkey-Roberts #720 ROA oralinflation valve. The oral inflation valve 60 is inserted into an end ofthe input tube 54 and into the pouch 52 of the integrated pump 50. Theoral inflation valve 60 is flexible.

The output hose 56 is preferably an 11/16^(th) inch outside diameterurethane tubing, such as #200-1615 from New Age Industries. The outputhose 56 has another Halkey-Roberts #720 ROA oral inflation valveinserted into the same end as a Colder Products model APC quickdisconnect which connects to the interface valve 40 or the manifold foran inflatable object. A manual inflation valve 58 is also attached tothe pouch 50. The manual inflation valve 58 is preferably a Carmo #3-115inflation valve however, other similar valves are available from HalkeyRoberts and others. The manual inflation valve 58 is sealed air-tight tothe pouch 52.

The manual inflation valve 58 provides a dual function of offering aninterface for an ordinary tapered fitting common to inflatable boat andbeach ball pumps, and also a means of allowing the interior of theintegrated pump 50 to dry out when not in use. Moisture from the lungswill collect inside the integrated pump 50 during use and without ameans for drying it out, the moisture could lead to mildew and prematuredeterioration of the fabric that forms the integrated pump 50.

The pouch 52 is best constructed by RF welding or heat sealing whichprovides an economical, precise and high-strength method of joining thefabric pieces, tubing and valve in a single operation. Urethane coatednylon fabric is preferred for weldability, airtightness, andfunctionality in a wide range of temperatures. Urethane tubing andvalves are similarly desirable and may be required for proper seal withthe urethane-coated fabric. The urethane tubing is sealed into thefabric pouch 52 to allow the connection of a standard barbed coupling.In that way, the input hose 54 and the output hose 56 may be any of avariety of materials depending on the performance characteristicsdesired.

To use the integrated pump 50, the user first connects the output hose56 to the inflation valve 40 of the valve interface 14 or any manifoldon an inflatable object. In this embodiment, the integrated pump has anintegral check valve in the output hose 56, however, the manifold orvalve (such as valve 14) of the inflatable object could have its owncheck valve.

There are several methods of operating the integrated pump 50. In thepreferred embodiment, the pouch 52 of the integrated pump 50 is placedunder the ball of the user's foot, and the user blows into the inputhose 54 which is connected to the oral inflation valve 60. A good rhythmof blowing into the oral inflation valve 60 of the integrated pump 50,and then rocking the foot forward to compress the pouch 52 of theintegrated pump 50 is preferred. The process or method is repeated,which will provide for highly efficient pumping. Another method is forthe user to compress the pouch 52 of the integrated pump 50 in his/herhand, which allows the user to stand up while using the integrated pump50.

In summary, the user blows into the oral inflation valve 60 to fill thepouch 52 of the integrated pump 50. The oral inflation valve 60 is aone-way valve. The pouch 52 is then compressed to create the 5 to 10 psinecessary to sufficiently inflate the bladders 36 a, 36 b of theinflatable tent 10. This is significant because the average personcannot blow much more than 2 psi whereas 5 or more psi are required toproperly inflate the bladders 36 a, 36 b of the inflatable tent 10. Theuser's lungs behave as the return spring would in an ordinary foot pump,replenishing the air inside the pouch 52 of the integrated pump 50. Theintegrated pump 50 offers a very lightweight, and simple method ofamplifying pressure.

The integrated pump 50 also helps prevent moisture from the air blowninto the integrated pump 50 from entering the inflatable tent 10. Theoral inflation valve 58 may be opened when the integrated pump 50 is notin use to allow this moisture to evaporate.

FIG. 5 shows a soft pump 80, which may be used to input air into theinflatable tent 10 or other inflatable device in lieu of the integratedpump 50 previously described. Conventional foot pumps for inflatablesporting goods products are heavy and clumsy objects made of plastic ormetal components. The soft pump 80 is made entirely of flexible, rubberycomponents. The benefits of this design are that it is lighter,friendlier, more compactable, and more durable than conventionaldesigns.

The soft pump 80 has a convoluted shape and is made of blow-moldedSantoprene, which is a rugged versatile material common in shock bootsand CV boots for vehicles. The soft pump 80 has a body 82 that is moldedwith two orifices 84, 86 therein. A first orifice 84 has a flange formounting and adhering a Vernay rubber butterfly valve. A second orifice86 is a smooth bore in which an output hose 88 of the soft pump 80 isoperatively attached. The bore in the second orifice 86 is aligned witha recessed channel that circumscribes the part. The output hose 88 maybe wrapped around the part in this channel. An end of the output hose 88has a quick disconnect fitting 90 attached thereto. The output hose 88is connected to the inflation valve 40 of the valve interface 14 orother manifold for an inflatable device.

The properties of the Santoprene and geometry of the convolutes causethem to behave as their own return spring. No separate metal spring orfoam insert is needed to get the pump to return to its original shapeafter being compressed.

In order to blow mold the soft pump 80 in a seamless way, withoutpuncturing the visible surfaces of the pump, horizontal injection pinsare used through the input and output openings 84 and 86, respectively.In alternative embodiments, the pump could have an additional opening,which could afterwards be covered and sealed by a separate piece ofmaterial such as a strap.

A base 92 of the soft pump 80 has a tread pattern for helping to keepthe pump in place during use. A strap (not shown) is mounted to a bottomof the soft pump 80 and wraps around the pump and secures to itself tokeep the soft pump 80 compressed for efficient storage and travel.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate another embodiment of a foot pump 110 inaccordance with one feature of the present invention. The foot pump ismade of a lightweight collapsible material, such as urethane coatedfabric 112 and is filled with reticulated foam 114. The fabric material112 this selected such that it can be easily assembled such as bysewing, gluing, RF welding and the like. The foam features very largeopen cells and contains approximately 97% air. The foam acts as thereturn spring for the pump 110. The pump 110 can easily be stored in thetent itself or placed into a stuff sack and carried to remote locations.

The preferred embodiment of the pump 110 includes a number of bellows orsections 116. Although in the preferred embodiment includes threesections 116, this is not a limitation of the present invention as oneor more sections will suffice. The bellows prevents outward deflectionof the pump 110 when compressed. This assures that all of the air foundin the bellows will be transferred out of the bellows.

In order to effectively use the pump of the present invention, a valve118 must be provided which serves the function of allowing the bellowsto quickly fill with air. The filling with air must be nearlyinstantaneous otherwise the user will have to wait an inordinate amountof time for the bellows to refill before the air can be squeezed orcompressed out of the pump again.

Accordingly, the present invention solves this problem by providing aunique valve 118. As shown in greater detail in FIG. 10, the valve 118includes a traditional quick dump valve 120 such as available fromHulkey Roberts as dump valve 650AD combined with the valve segment 122which forms a check valve. The umbrella valve segment 122, such asavailable from the Vernay company, interfaces with valve platform 124.The tip or protrusion 126 of the valve segment 122 is inserted intoopening 128 of the valve platform 124. Lastly, a semi-rigid ring 130 isprovided against the bottom region 134 of the fabric material 132 towhich the valve 118 is mounted.

To assemble a valve 118 according to the present invention, the dumpvalve 120 is RF welded or otherwise attached to the top surface 136 ofthe fabric or other material 132 to which the valve 118 is mounted.Next, the umbrella valve segment 122 is mated with the valve platform124. Finally, a semi rigid ring 130 having approximately the same as orslightly greater diameter than the valve 122 is provided and RF weldedor otherwise attached to the under surface 134 of the fabric or othermaterial 132 to which the valve 118 is attached. The semi rigid ring 130serves to make sure that the fabric 132 remains open in the area of thevalve 118 to be sure that the air can easily enter the valve 118 whichserves as the refill valve. The valve support number 124 and the ring130 are typically die cut pieces from sheet urethane or other similarmaterial. Accordingly, the valve 118 allows the air to be squeezed outof the bellows into a tube or other similar device 138, FIG. 1, whilethe valve number 122 prevents the air from escaping the valve 118 whenthe bellows 112 or compressed.

FIG. 6 a shows the roll-up stuff sack 62, wherein the user is stuffingthe inflatable tent 10, the valve interface 14, the integrated pump 50,and the soft pump 80 into a sack pouch 64. The sack pouch 64 is largeenough to hold the previously listed items. After the items are placedin the roll-up stuff sack 62, a top 66 is fastened to a body 68. Thefastener may be hooks and loops, a zipper, a snap and receiver, clasps,straps, ladder locks, or any similar device.

The roll-up stuff sack 62 is then rolled up into a tight, compactpackage as shown in FIG. 6 b. FIG. 6 c shows a roll-up stuff sack 62 ina rolled up or compressed position. In the rolled up position, theroll-up stuff sack 62 may hold the inflatable tent 10, the valveinterface 14, the integrated pump 50, and the soft pump 80 for easytransport and carry.

Webbing straps 72 have hooks and loops 78, FIG. 6 d, at their ends forattaching to each other and for holding the roll-up stuff sack 62together after rolling. Buckles 70 are used to compress or tightlypackage the items in the roll-up stuff sack 62. Tightening the webbingstraps 72 compresses the roll-up stuff sack 62. Specifically, the usergrasps at a pocket 76 and rolls the roll-up stuff sack 62 towards thetapered end, securing the hooks and loops 78 to hold the roll together.The user then clips the buckles 70 and tightens the roll by pulling thewebbing straps 72. To remove the items, the process is reversed.

The roll-up stuff sack 62 may have mesh panels 74. The mesh panels 74allows the contents to breathe when the roll-up stuff sack 62 is rolledout. The webbing straps 72 at either end of the roll-up stuff sack 62facilitate hanging. The same webbing straps 72 that keep the roll-upstuff sack 62 in the rolled up position as shown in FIG. 6 a may also beused to clip to itself to form a larger loop for hanging the roll-upstuff sack 62 from a tree branch, line, or another structure as shown inFIG. 6 d. The roll-up stuff sack 62 may hold the items previouslydescribed after use so that they may be hung and the items allowed todry out. Further, the roll-up stuff sack 62 may be used to dry outclothing or other items capable of fitting therein. The mesh panels 74may be made black in color and made of ripstop nylon panels and if theroll-up stuff sack 62 is hung in direct sunlight, it absorbs UV from thesun for quick drying.

The pocket 76 at a bottom end of the roll-up stuff sack 62 provides alocation for tent stakes, a patch kit and other parts. When full, thepocket 76 facilitates the rolling up of the roll-up stuff sack 62.

In the preferred embodiment, the roll-up stuff sack 62 is made fromnylon ripstop, nylon mesh, and nylon flat webbing; however, othermaterials may be used while retaining the spirit and concept of thisinvention. These materials have been chosen for their excellentdurability and weather resistance. The roll-up stuff sack 62 has doublestitching at all integral seams, and back-tacking is used overhigh-stress areas such as the pocket 76 corners, and edge binding toconceal all raw edges.

In summary, the roll-up stuff sack 62 allows the user to pack theinflatable tent 10 and its components therein in a very tight bundlewith relative ease. The roll-up stuff sack 10 may also be hung insidethe inflatable tent 10 or outside in the sun and used to dry clothingsince its dark fabric absorbs UV and its mesh panel 74 allows thecontents to breathe and moisture to escape.

As mentioned above, the present invention is not intended to be limitedto a system or method which must satisfy one or more of any stated orimplied object or feature of the invention and should not be limited tothe preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein.Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art areconsidered to be within the scope of the present invention which are notto be limited except by the allowed claims and equivalents thereto.

1. An airframe supported tent, comprising: a tent structure; and atleast one pair of coupled airbeams, said at least one pair of coupledairbeams coupled to at least a first portion of said structure, said atleast one pair of coupled airbeams including first and second airbeams,each said first and second airbeams of said of at least one pair ofcoupled airbeams adapted for containing air, and when filled with air,for creating a semi-rigid frame member for said tent structure.
 2. Theairframe supported tent of claim 1, wherein said tent structure includesa canopy portion and a floor portion.
 3. The air frame supported tent ofclaim 2 wherein said at least one pair of coupled airbeams is coupled tosaid canopy portion of said tent structure and extends from proximate afirst region of said floor portion to proximate a second region of saidfloor portion.
 4. The airframe supported tent of claim 3 wherein said atleast one pair of coupled airbeams form an arcuate shape when inflatedwith air.
 5. The air frame supported tent of claim 1 wherein each ofsaid first and second air beams have an outer surface, and wherein saidfirst and second air beams are coupled to one another approximate oneregion of their outer surface.
 6. The air frame supported tent of claim5 wherein said first and second airbeams are generally circular shapedand have a generally circular circumference, and wherein the first andsecond airbeams are joined proximate a tangent of each of theirrespective circumferentially shaped outer surfaces.
 7. The air framesupported tent of claim 5 wherein said first and second airbeams areshaped in a shape selected from the group consisting of a square, arectangle, a triangle, an octagon and a trapezoid.
 8. The air framesupported tent of claim 5 wherein said at least one pair of coupledairbeams include first and second airbeams, and wherein each said firstand second airbeams include an outer skin and an inner skin.
 9. The airframe supported tent of claim 8 wherein said outer skin is made from anon-air-retaining material, and said an inner skin is made from an airretaining material.
 10. The airframe-supported tent of claim 8 whereinsaid outer skin and said inner skin are generally permanently coupled toone another.
 11. The air frame supported tent of claim 9 wherein saidinner skin and outer skin are separate structures and wherein said innerskin forms an air retaining bladder which may be removed from said outerskin of said air beam.
 12. The airframe supported tent of claim 1,further including an airbeam interface, disposed proximate a region ofsaid tent structure, said airbeam interface fluidly coupled to saidfirst and second air beams, for allowing said first and second airbeamsto be filled with air from said airbeam interface, and for allowing saidfirst and second airbeams to be purged of air from said airbeaminterface.
 13. The airframe supported tent of claim 12, wherein said airbeam interface is disposed proximate and exterior region of said tentstructure.
 14. An airframe supported tent, comprising: a tent structureincluding a canopy portion and a floor portion; at least one pair ofcoupled airbeams, wherein said at least one pair of coupled airbeams iscoupled to said canopy portion of said tent structure and extends fromproximate a first region of said floor portion to proximate a secondregion of said floor portion, each said first and second airbeams ofsaid of at least one pair of coupled airbeams adapted for containingair, and when filled with air, for creating an arcuate shaped semi-rigidframe member for said tent structure; and wherein said tent structurefurther includes an airbeam interface, disposed proximate an exteriorregion of said tent structure, said airbeam interface fluidly coupled tosaid first and second air beams, for allowing said first and secondairbeams to be filled with air from said airbeam interface, and forallowing said first and second airbeams to be purged of air from saidairbeam interface.
 15. A manually operated air pump, comprising: a pumpformed of a fabric type material and having an inlet for allowing saidpump to be inflated with the air, and an outlet adapted to discharge theair contained within said pump when said pump is compressed, said pumpadapted to take on and generally maintain a generally flat shape whencompressed.
 16. The manually operated air pump of claim 15, wherein saidinlet includes a one way valve preventing air from escaping said pumpwhen said pump is compressed, and wherein said output includes a one wayvalve preventing air from escaping said pump when said pump is beinginflated.
 17. The manually operated air pump of claim 15, wherein saidpump has a bellows shape.
 18. The manually operated air pump of claim15, wherein said pump further includes a secondary inflation valve. 19.The manually operated air pump of claim 18, wherein said secondaryinflation valve serves a dual purpose of offering an interface for asource of air and for providing a moisture vent for an interior regionof said pump.
 20. A manually operated air pump, comprising: a pumpformed of a fabric type material and having an inlet for allowing saidpump to be inflated with the air, and an outlet adapted to discharge theair contained within said pump when said pump is compressed, said pumpadapted to take on a generally flat shape when compressed.
 21. Themanually operated air pump of claim 20, wherein said inlet includes aone way valve preventing air from escaping said pump when said pump iscompressed, and wherein said output includes a one way valve preventingair from escaping said pump when said pump is being inflated.
 22. Themanually operated air pump of claim 20, wherein said bellows shaped pumpis filled with foam, and wherein after said bellows shaped pump iscompressed, said foam serves as a return mechanism causing said bellowsto expand and fill with air through said inlet.
 23. The manuallyoperated air pump of claim 21, wherein said inlet includes a quick fillvalve.
 24. The manually operated air pump of claim 23, wherein saidquick fill valve includes a “dump” type valve having a check valveportion.